Energy

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 3 March 2016

Advancing CCUS Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Advancing CCUS Technology Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out research and develop technology to improve the conversion, use, and storage of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels. It also revises the program of research and commercial application for coal and power systems to require DOE, during each fiscal year after FY2016, to identify cost and performance goals for technologies allowing large-scale demonstration and the continued cost-competitive commercial use of coal. DOE must annually evaluate and make recommendations regarding any project it has entered into with a public or private entity to develop carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies. DOE must report to Congress, within two years and every three years thereafter, regarding the project evaluations it has conducted and the progress it has made in advancing carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should establish a national goal of more than 50 percent clean and carbon free electricity by 2030 for the purposes of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, growing our economy, increasing our shared prosperity, improving public health, and preserving our national security.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Urges the United States to: (1) establish a national goal of 50% clean and carbon-free electricity by 2030, and (2) enact legislation to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should establish a goal of more than 50 percent clean and carbon-free electricity by 2030 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, grow the economy, increase shared prosperity, improve public health, and preserve the national security of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Urges the United States to: (1) establish a national goal of 50% clean and carbon-free electricity by 2030, and (2) enact legislation to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2016

THE FISCAL YEAR 2017 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 March 2016

REFUEL Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion, and Leadership Act or the REFUEL Act This bill amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a competitive grant program for renewable and alternative energy fueling infrastructure projects. Projects may be new or for the retrofit of existing renewable and alternative energy infrastructure and must be capable of dispensing fuel or energy not widely available. USDA must prioritize awarding grants for projects located in rural areas. Entities that receive funding from USDA must contribute at least 30% of any allotted amount towards the project and are eligible to receive a maximum of $100,000.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 March 2016

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 March 2016

A resolution recognizing the importance of the United States-Israel economic relationship and encouraging new areas of cooperation.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

Affirms that the U.S.-Israel economic partnership has benefitted both countries and is a foundational component of the strong alliance. Recognizes that science and technology innovation present promising new frontiers for U.S.-Israel economic cooperation, particularly in light of widespread drought, cybersecurity attacks, and other major challenges impacting the United States. Encourages the President to regularize and expand forums of economic dialogue with Israel and foster public and private sector participation. Supports the exploration of new agreements with Israel, including in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, medicine, neurotechnology and cybersecurity.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 24 February 2016

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 24 February 2016

Drinking Water Safety and Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2016

Drinking Water Safety and Infrastructure Act This bill provides additional assistance for a public health emergency related to a contaminated public drinking water supply system. Assistance may be provided through grants under the drinking water state revolving fund and loans under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program. Upon the request of a state or local health official, the National Center for Environmental Health's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry must conduct voluntary surveillance activities to evaluate any adverse health effects on individuals exposed to lead from drinking water in affected communities. The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by requiring public water systems to notify their customers of lead concentration levels in drinking water that exceed lead limits. The Environmental Protection Agency must notify the public within 15 days of the lead levels exceeding those limits if the public water system or the state does not notify the public. The EPA may notify the public or the local or state health department of the result of lead monitoring conducted by a public water system. The Department of Health and Human Services must establish a lead exposure registry to collect data on the lead exposure of residents of a city on a voluntary basis. The Treasury must transfer funds to: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds for the childhood lead poisoning prevention program, (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for its Healthy Homes Initiative, and (3) the Health Resources and Services Administration for the Healthy Start Initiative. The bill prohibits further spending by the Department of Energy on or after October 1, 2020, for the subsidy costs of loans issued through the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program.

To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize education and training for energy and manufacturing-related jobs in order to increase the number of skilled workers trained to work in those fields, including by: (1) encouraging the nation's education system to equip students with the skills, mentorships, training, and technical expertise necessary to fill the employment opportunities vital to managing and operating the nation's energy and manufacturing industries and, in collaboration with representatives from such industries, to identify the areas of highest need and to develop guidelines for the skills necessary to develop a workforce trained to go into specified energy and manufacturing sectors; and (2) strengthening and more fully engaging DOE programs and labs in carrying out its workforce development initiatives, including the Minorities in Energy Initiative. DOE shall: make educating and training underrepresented groups for energy and manufacturing-related jobs a national priority; establish a clearinghouse to provide information and resources on training and workforce development programs for energy and manufacturing-related jobs and to act as a resource for educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and industry organizations that would like to develop and implement training programs; foster collaboration, mentorships, and partnerships among organizations that currently provide effective job training programs in such fields and institutions that seek to establish these types of programs in order to share best practices; collaborate with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Commerce, the Bureau of the Census, and the energy and manufacturing industries to develop a comprehensive understanding of the energy and manufacturing workforce needs and opportunities by state and by region; give special consideration to increasing outreach to minority serving institutions and to employers and job trainers preparing displaced and unemployed energy and manufacturing workers for emerging energy and manufacturing jobs; make existing resources available through program cross-cutting to institutions serving minorities and displaced and unemployed energy and manufacturing workers to train such individuals to enter or re-enter the energy and manufacturing workforce; work with industry and community-based workforce organizations to help identify students and other candidates to enroll into training and apprenticeship programs for such jobs; and publish a comprehensive report on the outlook for energy and manufacturing sectors nationally, including a comprehensive summary of job creation as a result of this Act's enactment.

California Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation, and Renewable Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

California Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation, and Renewable Energy Act This bill designates specified lands in the California Desert Conservation Area or San Bernardino National Forest in California as wilderness areas. Specified wilderness study areas are released from further study. There is established the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area. Boundaries are revised for Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Joshua Tree National Park. The bill designates specified off-highway vehicle recreation areas within the Conservation Area in San Bernardino County, California. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), as appropriate, shall complete a study to identify Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within the Conservation Area suitable for addition to: (1) the national off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated by this Act, or (2) the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. There is established the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in Inyo County, California. Specified federal land in California shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's reservation. The bill authorizes: a conveyance of specified federal land to Reginald Cook, a specified transfer of certain BLM land to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and a conveyance of specified BLM land to Imperial County Holtville Airport. Interior or USDA (as appropriate) shall: assess the impacts of climate change on the Conservation Area, and establish policies and procedures to ensure preservation of wildlife corridors and facilitate species migration likely to occur due to climate change. Interior and USDA shall ensure that members of specified tribes have access to designated areas for traditional and cultural purposes. The bill releases federal reversionary interests in certain land in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 is amended to authorize the acquisition of land for the Joshua Tree National Park for purposes of operating a visitor center. The bill revises certain requirements of that Act for specified California state school land. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is revised to designate certain wild, scenic, and recreational rivers in California. Interior shall take no action within the Conservation Area with regard to the distribution of groundwater for municipal, commercial, or industrial use from specified aquifers in quantities that exceed the estimated perennial safe yield or annual recharge rate, as determined by the U.S. Geological Survey. The bill prescribes the disposition of revenues received from the development of wind and solar energy on BLM-managed lands, and establishes a Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to address the impacts of wind and solar development on federal lands.

ENERGY TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND DEPLOYMENT—OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALASKA’S ENERGY FUTURE

United States · United States Senate · 15 February 2016

Cooperative Research and Development Fund Authorization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

Cooperative Research and Development Fund Authorization Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to make funds available to DOE national laboratories for the federal cost share of cooperative research and development agreements that support the maturing of laboratory technology and the transferring of it to the private sector. DOE shall: (1) determine the apportionment of such funds to each DOE national laboratory; (2) ensure that special consideration is given to small business firms and consortia involving such firms in the selection of which agreements will receive such funds; and (3) ensure that the performance evaluation metrics of each laboratory's operating contractor provide incentives for, and measure the effectiveness of, such contractor's cooperative research and development agreement program at maturing laboratory technology and transferring it to the private sector.

United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act of 2016 This bill establishes the United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to investigate and address any practices on the part of OPEC that prevent or reduce competition in the global oil market. The Commission shall be composed of a bipartisan group of 16 experts on energy and related matters chosen by the leadership of both parties in Congress and appointed by the President. All members of the Commission must be U.S. citizens. The bill requires the Commission to: determine whether the anti-competitive behavior of OPEC is designed to disadvantage U.S. oil producers; assess the impact of OPEC's policies on U.S. economic and energy security interests; assess how federal agencies are working to alleviate the potential negative impacts of OPEC's behavior; and produce policy recommendations for tax, trade, defense, diplomacy, and other areas where OPEC's behavior is found to cause adverse impacts. The Commission must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President within 12 months. The Commission shall terminate within 90 days after submission of its report. On receipt of the Commission's report, the President will have 90 days to submit Congress a proposal to implement or respond to the recommendations.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 February 2016

SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016 This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to permit states to use drug test results for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants to states to treat individuals who test positive. The bill increases from $20 to $50 the amount of annual benefits received under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 or a similar energy assistance program which qualifies a SNAP applicant to use a standard utility allowance to document heating and cooling costs for calculating benefits.

Keep It in the Ground Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Keep It in the Ground Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) from issuing, renewing, reinstating, or extending any nonproducing lease, or issuing any authorization for the exploration or production of oil, natural gas, or any other fossil fuel in the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or any other area of the Outer Continental Shelf. BOEM shall also cancel within 60 days any lease issued in the Beaufort Sea, Cook Inlet, or Chukchi Sea (three of the five bodies of water that encompass the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf). The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must not issue, renew, reinstate, or extend any nonproducing lease for the exploration or production of any onshore fossil fuels, including coal, oil, tar sands, oil shale, and gas, on land subject to the Mineral Leasing Act. The bill provides for exceptions if there is an imminent national security threat that would be significantly reduced by granting an exception. In addition, BOEM and the BLM may allow a nonproducing lease to be renewed or extended if the lease contract was signed before this bill, and giving effect to any provision of this bill is likely to lead to a material breach of contract.

Energy Sovereignty Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

Energy Sovereignty Act This bill amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring states to prevent or eliminate air pollution endangering public health or welfare in other countries.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 February 2016

Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2016 This bill establishes a program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities and authorizing federal agencies to provide them with financial and technical assistance. The Department of Commerce must designate consortiums as manufacturing communities using a competitive process and specified criteria. An eligible consortium must: represent a region that is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium and small enough to enable close collaboration among the consortium's members; include at least one institution of higher education, a private sector entity, and a government entity; and have a lead applicant that is a district organization, an Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of a state, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or association cooperating with a political subdivision of a state. Specified federal agencies may support the manufacturing communities by awarding them financial or technical assistance, providing preferential consideration when members of the consortium apply for assistance, or providing a federal point of contact to help members access assistance. Recipients of the financial or technical assistance may use the funds to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing with investments that may include infrastructure, access to capital, promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, equipment upgrades, workforce training, energy or process efficiency, and other specified purposes.

Fort Knox Energy Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Fort Knox Energy Security Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Army, effective as of August 2, 2007, to provide by contract or otherwise for the production, treatment, management, and use of natural gas located under Fort Knox, Kentucky. Such natural gas may only be used to support activities and operations at Fort Knox and may not be sold for use elsewhere. The Army may take ownership of any gas production and treatment equipment and facilities and associated infrastructure from a contractor in accordance with the terms of a contract or other agreement. The authority provided by this bill applies only to Fort Knox, Kentucky, and nothing in this bill authorizes the production, treatment, management, or use of natural gas resources underlying any other Department of Defense installation.

Energy Efficiency Free Market Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Energy Efficiency Free Market Act of 2016 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate the Department of Energy's authority to set energy-efficiency and water conservation standards for consumer and commercial appliances. All existing standards are repealed. Additionally, the bill prohibits states from setting their own energy-efficiency and water conservation standards. All existing state standards are nullified.

Make It In America Manufacturing Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Make It In America Manufacturing Communities Act This bill establishes a program to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities and authorizing federal agencies to provide them with financial and technical assistance. The Department of Commerce must designate consortiums as manufacturing communities using a competitive process and specified criteria. An eligible consortium must: represent a region that is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium and small enough to enable close collaboration among the consortium's members; include at least one institution of higher education, a private sector entity, and a government entity; and have a lead applicant that is a district organization, an Indian tribe, a state or political subdivision of a state, an institution of higher education, or a nonprofit organization or association cooperating with a political subdivision of a state. Specified federal agencies may support the manufacturing communities by awarding them financial or technical assistance, providing preferential consideration when members of the consortium apply for assistance, or providing a federal point of contact to help members access assistance. Recipients of the financial or technical assistance may use the funds to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing with investments that may include infrastructure, access to capital, promotion of exports and foreign direct investment, equipment upgrades, workforce training, energy or process efficiency, and other specified purposes.

Public Buildings Reform and Savings Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016

Public Buildings Reform and Savings Act of 2016 This bill: (1) directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish and conduct a pilot program through 2021 to execute lease agreements using alternative procedures to reduce costs of leased space and significantly reduce or eliminate the backlog of expiring leases over the next five years, and (2) authorizes the GSA to submit consolidated prospectuses for leases and projects to Congress for approval. The bill requires approval by congressional resolution of any costs and expenses associated with administering an acquisition by exchange involving real property or in-kind consideration, including services, with a fair market value of $2.85 million or more. The bill authorizes: (1) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to authorize contract security personnel to carry firearms, and (2) such personnel to detain individuals without a warrant. DHS must establish minimum and uniform training standards for security personnel. DHS must report on: (1) the personnel needs of the Federal Protective Service (FPS), including recommendations on the numbers of FPS law enforcement officers needed to carry out the mission of FPS during the 10-year period after the enactment of this Act; and (2) the best method of funding for the FPS. The GSA must: (1) justify any need for new or replacement building space, including an explanation of why such space could not be consolidated or colocated into other owned or leased space; (2) notify the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works if the cost, scope, or size of any project changes by 5% or more; and (3) report to such committees on the justification for using three lease rental caps per fiscal year and their impacts in the National Capital Region. The bill directs the GSA to: (1) sell a portion of the Forrestal Complex in Washington, D.C. to generate funds necessary to construct a new Department of Energy headquarters on government-owned land in a manner consistent with the SW Ecodistrict Plan of the National Capital Planning Commission if the GSA determines that such headquarters can be constructed with no net costs to the government; and (2) consider the direct purchase of energy and other utilities in bulk or otherwise for leased facilities when cost-effective.  The bill exempts an individual acquisition for commercial leasing services from enhanced competition requirements for the purchase of property and services by executive agencies if such individual acquisition is made on a no cost basis and pursuant to a multiple award contract in accordance with requirements for full and open competition. The Government Accountability Office must conduct biennial audits of the GSA National Broker Contract, conduct a review of the application of enhanced competition requirements, and report on such audits and reviews. The bill amends the Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Commerce to release the federal government's interest in economic adjustment grants not less than seven years after the final disbursement of the grant.

Water Resources Research Amendments Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2016

Water Resources Research Amendments Act of 2016 This bill amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to: (1) declare that additional research is required into increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of new and existing treatment works through alternative approaches, including non-structural alternatives, decentralized approaches, energy use efficiency, water use efficiency, and actions to extract energy from wastewater; (2) require each water resources research and technology institute to arrange for research that fosters the exploration of new ideas that expand understanding of water resources (currently, of water-related phenomena); (3) direct the Department of the Interior to report to specified congressional committees annually on each institute's compliance with matching fund requirements and provisions permitting the use of funds only to reimburse direct cost expenditures incurred for the conduct of the water resources research program; and (4) authorize appropriations for such institutes through FY2022.

H.R. 3797, THE SATISFYING ENERGY NEEDS AND SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT (SENSE) ACT; AND H.R., THE BLOCKING REGULATORY INTERFERENCE FROM CLOSING KILNS (BRICK) ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 February 2016

EPS Improvement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

EPS Improvement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exclude from energy conservation standards for external power supplies any power supply circuit, driver, or device designed to power certain light-emitting diodes or to power ceiling fans using direct current motors. The Department of Energy may prescribe energy conservation standards for that equipment no earlier than one year after the date on which a test procedure has been prescribed by using its authority to improve the energy efficiency of electric motors and pumps and other industrial equipment.

RECLAIM Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2016 or the RECLAIM Act of 2016 This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to make specified funds available to the Department of the Interior for each of FY2017-FY2021 for distribution to states and Indian tribes to promote economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining carried out before August 3, 1977. The bill prescribes general requirements for projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and waters that are likely to create favorable conditions for the economic development of the project site or promote the general welfare through economic and community development of the area in which the project is conducted. Any such project shall be located in a community affected by a recent decline in mining. A state or Indian tribe that receives funds under this bill may retain a portion of them as necessary to supplement its acid mine drainage abatement and treatment fund for future operation and maintenance costs for the treatment of acid mine drainage associated with individual projects.

Fair RATES Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards Act or the Fair RATES Act This bill amends the Federal Power Act to permit a party to seek a rehearing and subsequent judicial review of any rate change filed by a public utility that takes effect without the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issuing an order making such change effective. (Public utilities must give FERC and the public a 60-day notice before a proposed rate change can take effect.)

Electronic Warfare Capabilities Enhancement Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Electronic Warfare Capabilities Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill permits the use of appropriations authorized for electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems and electronic warfare in order to develop and field electromagnetic spectrum warfare systems and electronic warfare capabilities. The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 is amended to include electronic warfare programs in the rapid acquisition authority program. Electronic warfare is military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy, and includes electromagnetic spectrum warfare, which encompasses military communications and sensing operations that occur in the electromagnetic operational domain. The Department of Defense shall delegate to the senior electronic warfare executive the authority to review and validate all Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System documents for electronic warfare acquisition programs. The Electronic Warfare Executive Committee shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategic plan with measurable and timely objectives to achieve its mission according to specified metrics.

State Sanctions Against Iranian Terrorism Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

State Sanctions Against Iranian Terrorism Act This bill amends the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 to specify that a state may, in addition to limiting investment in Iran's energy sector, prohibit or limit any person from engaging in specified investment activities in Iran. A state may also enter into interstate compacts to prohibit or limit such financial activities. Enforcement of such measures may include the imposition of disclosure and transparency requirements. The description of "investment activities" is revised to: (1) reduce the threshold for financial involvement from $20 million to $10 million; and (2) include, in addition to the energy sector, involvement in a business enterprise in Iran, including an entity owned or controlled by the Iranian government. The bill declares that a state or local government measure authorized pursuant to the Act is: (1) authorized and not preempted by any federal law or regulation, or any policy, agreement, or exercise of waiver authority of the executive branch; and (2) is consistent with U.S. federal policy, including U.S. foreign policy. A state or local government may enforce a measure adopted before the enactment of this Act that: (1) provides for the divestment of state or local assets from, or prohibits the investment of those assets in, any person that engages in investment activities in Iran or other business activities in Iran identified in the measure; or (2) prohibits or limits any person from engaging in investment activities in Iran.

Reaffirming the right for the United States to use all available options, including the use of military force, to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Reaffirms: (1) the right for the United States to use all available options, including military force, to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon; and (2) that it is U.S. policy to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon for the life of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) and afterward. Supports Israel's right to defend itself from nations and non-state actors that wish to do it harm. Calls on the Administration to provide Israel with military and intelligence support and cooperation to confront new threats to Israel's security by maintaining its strategic and qualitative military edge. Calls on United Nations member states to take all necessary measures to prevent the transfer of ballistic or cruise missile technology or technical assistance to Iran. Calls on the President to engage with Congress and international partners to ensure that the International Atomic Energy Agency receives the full yearly amount necessary to fulfill its JCPA verification responsibilities. Supports full funding for the Department of State's Coordinator for Iran Nuclear Implementation and for the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Remains committed to confronting the Iranian regime's destabilizing actions in the Middle East through increased cooperation with U.S. regional partners. Demands action by the Administration to raise Iran's recent ballistic missile testing with the Security Council and seek an appropriate response for Iran's disregard for Security Council Resolution 1929. Calls on the Iranian government to assist in the investigation of the disappearance of U.S. citizens within its borders. Condemns Iran's record of human rights violations and supports the Iranian people's pursuit of civil liberties. Reaffirms that nothing in the JCPA limits the ability of Congress to pass sanctions legislation to address future Iranian terrorism activities, ballistic or cruise missile development, human rights abuses, or to reauthorize existing sanctions that are not lifted under the JCPA. Calls on the Administration to keep Congress informed about how it will work with other P5+1 countries to respond to JCPA violations. Calls for the creation of a bipartisan Iran Study Group composed of senior and expert policy-makers to report to Congress on a broader Middle East strategy to counter Iran and leverage more constructive Iranian behavior.

A LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON EIGHT ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE BILLS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 February 2016

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon the request of the licensee for FERC project numbered 13287 (Cannonsville Hydroelectric Project, New York), to extend the time period during which the licensee is required to commence the construction of the project for up to four consecutive two-year periods from the date of the expiration of the extension originally issued by FERC.

To amend section 203 of the Federal Power Act.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

This bill amends the Federal Power Act with respect to the prohibition against direct or indirect merger or consolidation by a public utility of its facilities (or any part of them) with those of any other person, by any means whatsoever, without first having secured the authorization of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This prohibition shall apply only to facilities (or any part of them) whose value exceeds $10 million.

Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2016

Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2016 This bill requires that certain public buildings that are open to the public and contain a public restroom provide a lactation room, other than a bathroom, that is hygienic and is available for use by a member of the public to express milk. The lactation room must be shielded from public view, be free from intrusion, and contain a chair, a working surface, and (if the building is supplied with electricity) an electrical outlet.

Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a research and development program to: (1) improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind energy generation; (2) optimize the design and adaptability of wind energy systems to the broadest practical range of atmospheric conditions; and (3) reduce the cost of permitting, construction, operation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. DOE must also conduct a wind energy technology validation and market transformation program for demonstrating and validating new wind energy technologies with the potential to be cost-competitive for land-based, offshore, and distributed applications. DOE must conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities to reduce barriers to the widespread adoption of wind power. The program must support developing new wildlife impact mitigation technologies to reduce the potential impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife species. DOE must maintain a wind energy incubator program to support innovative technologies that are not represented in a significant way in DOE's current portfolio of wind energy research activities or in current technology roadmaps.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon the request of the licensee for FERC project numbered 12715 (Jennings Randolph Hydroelectric Project in Garrett County, Maryland, and Mineral County, West Virginia), to extend the time period during which the licensee is required to commence the construction of the project for up to three consecutive two-year periods from the date of the expiration of the extension originally issued by FERC.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend by six years the time period during which Jordan Hydroelectric Limited Partnership is required to commence construction on the Flannagan Dam and Reservoir Hydroelectric Project located in Dickenson County, Virginia. In addition, FERC is authorized to reinstate the construction license if it is expired.

To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), upon the request of the licensee for FERC project numbered 12737 (Gathright Hydroelectric Project, Alleghany County, Virginia), to extend the time period during which the licensee is required to commence the construction of the project for up to three consecutive two-year periods from the date of the expiration of the extension originally issued by FERC.

A bill to exclude power supply circuits, drivers, and devices designed to be connected to, and power, light-emitting diodes or organic light-emitting diodes providing illumination or ceiling fans using direct current motors from energy conservation standards for external power supplies.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exclude from energy conservation standards for external power supplies any power supply circuit, driver, or device designed to power certain light-emitting diodes or to power ceiling fans using direct current motors. The Department of Energy may prescribe energy conservation standards for that equipment no earlier than one year after the date on which a test procedure has been prescribed by using its authority to improve the energy efficiency of electric motors and pumps and other industrial equipment.

Clean Distributed Energy Grid Integration Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2016

Clean Distributed Energy Grid Integration Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to: (1) study the status of integration of clean distributed energy into electric grids, (2) identify issues requiring additional research or regulatory development, and (3) make grants for research proposals that address technical barriers identified in the study. "Clean distributed energy" means energy technologies that are located on the customer site operating on the customer side of the electric meter and are interconnected with the electric grid. DOE shall convene a stakeholder working group to: address regulatory barriers to deployment of intelligent grid integration of clean distributed energy technologies; and provide guidance on how to address the technical, regulatory, and economic factors that limit widespread integration of grid-level clean distributed energy use in order to advance the integration of such energy into electric grids. DOE may make grants to implement integration demonstration projects, based on study findings, to state and local agencies, public institutions, private companies, electric utilities, and equipment manufacturers.

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2016

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the objectives for the civilian nuclear energy research and development programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE shall carry out a specified program to enhance U.S. capabilities to develop new reactor technologies and related systems technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques. DOE shall: (1) determine the mission need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility; and (2) submit a plan to Congress for establishment of such a facility. DOE may enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish a National Nuclear Innovation Center that: enables the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts to be proposed and funded by the private sector, establishes and operates a database to store and share data and knowledge on nuclear science between federal agencies and private industry, and establishes capabilities to develop and test reactor electric and nonelectric integration and energy conversion systems. DOE shall submit to Congress three alternative 10-year budget plans for civilian nuclear energy research and development. The NRC shall report to Congress on: the extent to which it is capable of licensing advanced reactor designs developed under this bill by the end of a specified four-year period, and any organizational or institutional barriers it will need to overcome to be able to license such designs.

THE NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK FOR ENERGY AND COMMODITY MARKETS

United States · United States Senate · 19 January 2016

Ensuring the Taxpayer a Fair Return for Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Resources Act of 2015

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2016

Ensuring the Taxpayer a Fair Return for Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Resources Act of 2015 This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to increase the minimum acceptable bids and rentals for leases of oil, natural gas, and tar sand on federal land. Minimum acceptable bids and rentals shall receive inflation adjustments once every four years. One-third of any amounts received by the United States from sales, bonuses, and royalties, including interest charges collected under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, and from rentals of the public lands in Alaska under the Mineral Leasing Act and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, shall be made available in specified percentages: for use for oil and gas inspection and enforcement; to remediate, reclaim, and properly plug and abandon orphan oil and gas wells on federal lands; and to the state within whose boundaries the leased land is located, or the deposits were derived, for state use in accordance with specified requirements.

EXPLORING ENERGY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING PUERTO RICO

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 January 2016